I have decided to raise funds on behalf of the Lymphoma Association. The Association provides emotional support and information on a range of issues to anyone with lymphatic cancer and to their families, carers and friends.

My family and I have experienced the benefit of this organisation first hand. Three years ago my brother in law was diagnosed, at the age of 40, with Hogkins Disease. Having been through the horrendous course of treatment that cancer sufferers have to bear, we all rejoiced at his return to health when he received the all clear. He then underwent a twelve month period of further suffering, from back ache and other symptoms that his doctor claimed were unrelated to the cancer. Finally, on his reluctant insistence, he was tested again only to show that the cancer had indeed returned. Thankfully, he has now completed his second course of therapy and is in remission.

Given that every hour of every day one person is the UK is diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, and the incidence level is increasing every year, this is a large disease and yet quite a small charity. Its goal this year is to raise £750,000 to meet its objectives. I hope I will make a significant contribution to help them on their way. Two of their goals are particularly close to my heart; first, the provision of specialist nurses into major hospitals. To date they have provided two nurses and have a target of five nurses. Secondly, they aim to help facilitate an accurate diagnosis of the illness, something from which my brother in law truly would have benefited. I ask you to look at their web site to see the good work they are doing and to see what a difference you can make by sponsoring me on my quest.

Just follow the link below:

www.Lymphoma.org.uk

David Farley

I have spent most of my life working in banking. Initially I worked for JP Morgan where I spent  15 years mainly in the lending markets, culminating with being head of leverage finance for private equity firms. I then joined HSBC Private Equity and was fortunate to be one of a small group of employees who subsequently bought the business, renaming it Montagu Private Equity. In September I decided to retire from City life. Once the novelty of being on holiday passes, I will probably take on a few part time roles, maybe some charity work or educational roles such as school governor.

I was the driving force behind getting this trip together. Ian (Turner) and I had always promised ourselves that we would do some physical challenge together, in part to recognise our long friendship and in part to raise money for charity, something dear to Ian’s heart. Ian was already lucky enough to be working part time and my retirement presented the opportunity to bring our dream to fruition. We agreed to research the web and come up with ideas. I suggested the North Pole. It just appealed, it requires strength and stamina, is cold rather than hot and does not need special skills like climbing. Its challenging with some danger but not out-and-out mad; after all we are all family guys with responsibilities. Perfect (I hope).

I then made contact with Alan Chambers and was very impressed with his organised approach and focus on safety. Rather than being part of a mixed group I thought it would be more fun to do it with a group of friends. I just needed to find six other people who shared my vision and could afford the not insubstantial cost. This proved easier than I feared, rather than getting a “your crazy” response most people asked were immediately up for the challenge. I am really happy with the mix of the group and believe that everyone will get on well. The initial training weekend seemed to bear this out.

The key for me is to avoid injury and in particular to strengthen and protect my back. Three months ago I had a prolapsed disc, a recurrence of a similar injury three years ago. I have just completed a treatment to stabilise the disc and also a course of Prolotherapy  to help strengthen my back. This involves injecting the ligaments in the lower back with glucose to increase their size and strength and reduce the likelihood of another prolapse. Each of the 3 injections lasts for 2 minutes and is a very painful procedure (Doctor offered gas and air and excused all swearing!). Apparently the same procedure was used on Ranulf Fiennes prior to his Arctic expedition. For anyone with similar problems I highly recommend Simon Petrides at the Blackberry Clinic (www.blackberryclinic.co.uk).

Other worries are just the practical ones: not wanting to be the slowest, to avoid an early bath and a general fear of the call of nature. I have never been very good using stand up loos on French campsites, never mind having to dig your own, complete the task in full Artic gear and all in temperatures of -25 C. Its not like you can expect your buddy to keep a look out in all places for Frostnip!